JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Engagement in self-care behaviors that are essential to optimize diabetes care is challenging for many patients with diabetes. mHealth interventions have shown to be effective in improving healthcare outcomes in diabetes, however more research is needed on patient perceptions to support these interventions, especially in resource settings in low- and middle income-countries.

Objective:

To explore perceptions and acceptability of a Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging intervention for diabetes care in underserved people with diabetes in Argentina.

Methods:

A qualitative exploratory methodology was adopted as part of the evaluation of a program to strength diabetes services in primary care clinics located in low resource settings. The program included a text messaging intervention for diabetic patients. A total of 24 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with diabetic patients.

Results:

Acceptability was considered adequate in terms of it’s actual use, frequency and role of SMS as a reminder. We found that SMS could be a "mediating device" in the patient’s learning processes. Also, being exposed to the SMS would seem to help bring about changes in risk perception and care practices and for psychosocial support. Another relevant finding was the role of the text message as a potential facilitator in diabetes care. In this sense, we observed a strong association between receiving text messages and having a better patient-physician relationship. Additionally, social barriers that affect diabetes care such as socioeconomic and psychosocial vulnerability were identified.

Conclusions:

Our findings show positive contributions of the SMS intervention in the care of people with diabetes. We consider that the SMS strategy has potential to be replicated in other contexts. However, further studies are needed to explore its sustainability and long-term impact from the perspective of patients.